Please take a moment and make a financial contribution to TheFunded. If we have helped you, help us with resources to further grow the both the site and our entrepreneur training program, The Founder Institute.

Posted by
Gilad
on 2008-02-19

PUBLIC:

Agree with the post below. I met with Assaf a few times at an early stage. Very sharp and knowledgeable guy. He knew our space well and gave us great insight that helped us sharpen our pitch and business focus. He was generous with his time and willing to engage in a real conversation, which is refreshing for a VC. Overall, thumbs up on Sequoia.

High marks for operational efficiency.
Met with Assaf - analyst, good guy, got the idea, had relevant comments. Promised answers after taking it to the partners within a week, and answers came 2 weeks later - to do a number of specific things and come back to them.

Naturally, Sequoia would have a great rep, even in Israel. The partners themselves have sterling reputations, though the lowly analysts do not.

We pitched to one of the analysts, and we could not believe how much basic knowledge this guy was lacking. It was like "come on man, how the heck did you even get hired by a supposed Tier-1 VC"". They should really make sure their "analysts" have knowledge of the appropriate markets and technology. Even basic knowledge...

Posted by
Complication
on 2007-09-22

PUBLIC:

Worked with Shmil Levy - who I agree is probably the best VC in Israel. Sequoia is generally less concerned with IRR than some others I worked with.

However, note that Sequoia, with its contacts and presence in the market will probably get their money out of the investment (that is if anyone will). That is before you or anyone else will. So if the ROI is high - there is no better choice. But if low - make sure you know what you are doing (because they do!).

Why go with Sequoia" Because they are probably one of the only VCs who can create a Linked In or a You Tube monster exit (due to these contacts).

Posted by
VCresource
on 2007-09-07

PUBLIC:

Shmil Levy is as good as it gets in Israel. Any entrepreneur should aspire to be funded by such a strong fund and have such great value add investor like that on their board. Shmil is very down-to-earth, hands-on with vast operating experience and would not waste your time if he is not interested.